Leeds Rhinos: Five talking points from the defeat at Huddersfield

Peter Smith

There was more doom and gloom for Leeds Rhinos after they lost 28-20 at Huddersfield Giants on Friday and Salford’s win over Hull KR the following afternoon left them bottom of First Utility Super League.

Here are five talking points from Rhinos’ latest disappointment.

1: Rhinos are in their worst run of the Super League era. In the disastrous 1996 season, when they finished 10th out of 12, they won four of their opening 13 games, one more than this term.

2: The Super-eights looks a long way away. Rhinos were five points behind eighth-place Castleford Tigers before their game against St Helens on Sunday.

3: Jimmy Keinhorst’s form is a positive for Rhinos. He is a tackling machine and has skill as well.

4: At 17, England academy forward Cameron Smith is not ready for Super League yet, but his debut could turn out to be a significant moment for Rhinos.

5: Jordan Baldwinson was again omitted, despite coach Brian McDermott selecting two players from outside the senior squad. We won’t know if he’s good enough for Super League if he isn’t given a chance.